Craftsman 944.602951 owner manual Engine, Transaxle Cooling

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS

Corresion and dirtonthe batteryand terminalscan cause the battery to "leak" power.

•Disconnect BLACK batterycable first then RED battery cable and remove battery from tractor.

•Rinse the battery with plain water and dry,

•Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush until bright.

•Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly.

•Reinstall battery (See "CONNECT BAI-IERY" in the

Assembly section of this manual).

V-BELTS

Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours of

operation and replace if necessary. The belts are not adjustable. Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear.

TRANSAXLE COOLING

The transmission fan and cooling fins should be kept clean to assure proper cooling.

Do not attempt to clean fan or transmission while engine is runningorwhile the transmission is hot.To prevent possible damage to seals, do not use high pressure water or steam to clean transaxle.

•Inspect cooling fan to be sure fan blades are intact and clean.

•Inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clippings and other materials. To prevent damage to seals, do not use

compressed air or highpressure sprayer toclean cooling fins.

TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID

The transaxle was sealed at the factory and fluid mainte- nance is not required forthe life of the transaxle. Should the transexle ever leakor require servicing,contact your nearest authodzed service center/department.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SF-SJ. Select the oil'sSAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

-20 0 30 60 80

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

FIG. i5

Change the oil after every 50 hours of operation or at least once a year ifthe tractor isnot used for 50 hours in one year.

Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each eight (8) hours of operation. Tighten oil fill cap/ dipstick securely each time you check the oil level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Figs. 15 and 16)

Determine temperature range expected before oil change. All oil must meet API service classification SF-SJ.

•Be sure tractor is on level surface.

•Oil will drain more freely when warm.

•Catch oil in a suitable container.

• Remove oil fill cep/dipstick. Be careful not to allow dirt to enter the engine when changing oil.

•Remove yellowcap frem bottomfitting of drain valveand install the drain tube onto the fitting.

OIL DRAIN VALVE

CLOSED

AND

POSITION

TUBE

CAP

FIG. 16

•Unlock drain valve by pushing inward and tuming coun- terclockwise.

•To open, pull out on the drain valve.

•Affer oilhas drained completely, close and Iockthe drain valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise untilthe pin is in the locked position as shown.

•Remove the drain tube and replace the cap onto to the bottom fitting of the drain valve.

•Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube. Pour

slowly. Do not overfill. For approximate capacity see "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" sectionof this manual.

•Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level.

Insert dipstick intothe tube and rest the oilfill cap on the tube. Do not thread the cap onto the tube when taking reading. Keep oil at "FULL" line on dipstick. Tighten cap onto the tube securely when finished.

CLEAN AIR SCREEN

Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush or

compressed airto remove dirtand stubbemdried gum fibers.

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